The Owatonna Express won for the fifth time in six games Saturday when they knocked off Albert Lea 4-3 at Four Seasons Centre in Owatonna.

Thunder head coach Chuck Linkenheld said his team took too many penalties and made too many mental mistakes against the Express.

Albert Lea took six penalties in the game, compared to just two for Owatonna.

Dan Cecka scored the eventual game-winner at 12:47 of the third period period for the Express.

Owatonna took a 2-1 lead after the first period where Cory Thorson and Blake Schammel scored goals.

Chris Cass cut the Express lead in half with a goal with 1:40 to play in the period.

Alex Niestrom tied the game in the second period, but Owatonna responded with a goal from Marian Fiala.

Linkenheld said the Thunder had coverage breakdowns on the second and fourth goals the Express scored.

The Thunder (11-27-5) remained four points back of North Iowa with the loss.

Albert Lea plays Alexandria Sunday at City Arena at 5:30 p.m.

Owatonna 4, Albert Lea 3

Albert Lea 1 1 1 — 3

Owatonna 2 1 1 — 4

First Period—1, Owatonna, Cory Thorson 21 (Dan Cecka, Nick Widing), 7:03. 2, Owatonna, Blake Schammel 3 (Ben Persian, Marian Fiala), 14:51. 3, Albert Lea, Chris Cass 10 (Niko Kapetanovic, Luke Jenkins), 18:20. Penalties—Colton Warner, Alb (checking from behind), 7:29; Warner, Alb (elbowing), 15:19; Zach May, Alb (unsportsmanlike conduct), 15:19.

Second Period—4, Albert Lea, Alex Niestrom 10 (Kapetanovic, Joe Kozlak), 9:35. 5, Owatonna, Fiala 6 (Chris Darnell, Zach Vierling), 14:15. Penalties—Brad Phenow, Alb (interference), 10:17; Harry Quast, Alb (tripping), 13:39.

Third Period—6, Owatonna, Cecka 19 (Thorson, Jake Suter), 12:47. 7, Albert Lea, May 7 (Derek Docken, Warner), 12:58. Penalties—Warner, Alb (cross checking), 0:57; Owa, (bench minor-too many men), 5:11; Darnell, Owa (roughing), 15:36; Anthony Iaquinto, Alb (slashing), 16:22; Iaquinto, Alb (unsportsmanlike conduct), 16:22.

Shots on Goal—Albert Lea 12-9-8—29. Owatonna 20-10-5—35.

Power-play opportunities—Albert Lea 0 of 2; Owatonna 1 of 6.

Goalies—Albert Lea, Nikifor Szczerba 1-3-3 (35 shots-31 saves). Owatonna, Matt Hemmingway 8-4-1 (29-26).

A—539. T—2:09.

Referee—Colin Kronforst. Linesmen—Matthew Tyree, Sterling Egan.